I provide tours to small groups of one, two, three or four - mainly people travelling together. I aim to tailor each tour as far as I can to people's interests and fitness. Shetland has some fantastic coastal scenery, some fascinating archaeological sites and unusual geological formations, as well as amazing wildlife.
Wildlife
The birdlife in Shetland is a big draw. You don't have to be a 'twitcher' to enjoy Puffins and all the other seabirds. Please note that Puffins are here from the end of April to the beginning of August only. However, Gannets and many other seabirds can be seen all year round. Seals and Ponies can be seen pretty much at any time. Otters are a lot harder to see, although I do see about one a month on my daily walk around the harbour with Piper (our Sheltie). Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises are much rarer treats.
The birdlife in Shetland is a big draw. You don't have to be a 'twitcher' to enjoy Puffins and all the other seabirds. Please note that Puffins are here from the end of April to the beginning of August only. However, Gannets and many other seabirds can be seen all year round. Seals and Ponies can be seen pretty much at any time. Otters are a lot harder to see, although I do see about one a month on my daily walk around the harbour with Piper (our Sheltie). Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises are much rarer treats.
Scenery
Shetland's stunning coastal scenery is impressive, with some of the highest cliffs in Britain, seacaves and stacks. Where the coast is penetrated by Voes (flooded valleys) the scenery changes to something gentler, but beautiful in its own way. There are beautiful Sandy beaches to explore with crystal clear water, and generally hardly any people.
Shetland's stunning coastal scenery is impressive, with some of the highest cliffs in Britain, seacaves and stacks. Where the coast is penetrated by Voes (flooded valleys) the scenery changes to something gentler, but beautiful in its own way. There are beautiful Sandy beaches to explore with crystal clear water, and generally hardly any people.
Geology
The cliffs, islands and stacks of the West and North are the remnants of volcanic activity, with exciting names for some of the features like 'Da Drongs' and 'Dore Holm'. In contrast the cliffs of the seabird city at Noss are a mass of sandstone shelves, almost as if they were designed for nest sites. Parts of Unst and most of Fetlar are ancient seabed - most rare to find on land, and the explanation of the strange blue and green rocks found there - and the occasional garnet!
The cliffs, islands and stacks of the West and North are the remnants of volcanic activity, with exciting names for some of the features like 'Da Drongs' and 'Dore Holm'. In contrast the cliffs of the seabird city at Noss are a mass of sandstone shelves, almost as if they were designed for nest sites. Parts of Unst and most of Fetlar are ancient seabed - most rare to find on land, and the explanation of the strange blue and green rocks found there - and the occasional garnet!
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Archaeology/History
Shetland can boast archaeological sites from the Stone Age, the Bronze Age, The Iron Age, the Picts, the Vikings, the time of the Scottish Earls and the first and second World Wars. Lerwick may be only about 450 years old, but it has many interesting buildings and people to see and talk about. Genealogy, Yarn, Coasteering, Sea Kayaking Following a conversation, preferably by email, I can design a tour around a topic. For example, if your great grandfather was a Johnson from Yell, we can see if we can find the house where he was born, and perhaps some new relatives. Another choice might be Shetland Knitting - from the Sheep to the spinning factory to the garment. If you want outdoor adventure then I can organise Coasteering (given good notice) or Sea Kayaking (given suitable weather of course). |